We have all heard of physiotherapy for adults, for bad backs, for broken legs and arms, for sports injuries etc. but how many have ever heard of a physiotherapist being involved with babies and children?
The traditional image of the hospital "physio-terrorist", dealing with adults, is of some sort of institutional torturer who imposes impossible exercise regimes on "enthusiastic volunteers" who are trapped in bed recovering from accidents or operations. Equipped with mountains of equipment, hot and cold packs, wheel chairs, crutches, calipers and Zimmer frames they go about their business - ignoring the whoops of "delight" pouring from their happy "clients". In reality this image of the hospital "physio-terrorist" is not fair and they do get very good results.
Who, then, has ever come into contact with the rarer paediatric physio? Are paediatric physios like their counterparts who deal with adults? Who could possibly allow their child to fall into their clutches?
The answer is loving and reasonable parents who want the best for their children!
To return to the top click here.
A Physiotherapist for kids? - You're kidding!
Actually, no were're serious - and it works!
No - strange but true, a paediatric physiotherapist just like other physiotherapists is a specialist in movement, and in particular in the movement development of the baby and child. Paediatric therapists treat babies, children and adolescents. Physiotherapists help children achieve optimum physical and mental development aiming not just to help them move but to move to the best of their ability. Children are not small adults. Typically the therapist encourages the child to move to the best of his / her abilities through play and fun. Don't forget, paediatric physiotherapists have a special affinity for children - they really like treating and being with them!
As a parent you are well aware that babies and children love movement! And that through movement children learn about themselves and their environment. Unfortunately, there are numerous childhood conditions which can affect a child's physique and his/her ability to move. These conditions can be congenital ( a child is born with them) or acquired, they can be severe or minor and they can be long or short term .Whatever the condition it may reduce the child's ability to move freely and well. It may affect the physical development , structurally and/or functionally, and it may also impair learning and may lead to a lack of self-confidence.
To return to the top click here.
What is paediatric physiotherapy?
A part of the mainstream modern medical professions paediatric physiotherapy is holistic in nature treating the whole child, not just the body in isolation. Following a full initial assessment of the child's general development and specific physical functions and abilities, the therapist will discuss with the parent the immediate and long term requirements and make a plan for appropriate treatment.
Treatment involves massage, mobilisation and stretching, neuro-developmental therapy, specific therapeutic exercises and posture education. Performed gently and without pain, physiotherapy can be a great deal of fun for both the child and the parents. Whatever techniques are used in therapy, enthusiastic parental involvement at home is essential for optimal long term results.
The paediatric physiotherapist can be both a guide and support. They give advice on how to include regular massage, play and other exercises into a child's daily life, aiming to enhance their overall well being and quality of life. They also offer suggestions on appropriate footwear, toys, home and school furniture and where necessary special needs equipment.
With any severe or long term condition, such as profound cerebral palsy, the child is usually quickly referred for paediatric physiotherapy by the hospital doctor or specialist. However, much more difficult to identify are the less obvious conditions which can affect a child's physical well being and which may only become increasingly apparent as your child grows up. Early intervention is vital and many postural problems can be effectively minimised or prevented by starting treatment early, even as early as in babyhood.
To return to the top click here.
Are you worried? - A parent's guide.
Why your child may need a "Physio Check" or treatment.
As a parent you may wonder whether your child has any physical problems and you may have had the following concerns or questions:
- Your baby performed poorly at the regular developmental checks with the health visitor.
- Your baby may have feeding or swallowing difficulties.
- Your baby does not react well when you talk to him or her, or to loud noises, banging doors etc.
- Your baby may be very irritable , restless and has an irregular sleeping pattern.
- Your baby may have poor head control.
- You notice floppiness in his trunk or limbs.
- You may notice stiffness in the legs, typically noticed during nappy changing, or your child may like to be held up in standing just too much.
- Your baby may appear to use one hand better than the other, or she or he may always prefer to look to one side.
- Your baby was born very prematurely, there were some complications at birth. It was weeks before you could take your baby home. At the follow-up appointment your doctor may say your baby is behind in his/her development but should eventually 'catch up'.
- Your baby has inturning feet (positional talipes) and you may have been shown some stretches by the hospital physio whom you saw in the maternity ward. But now you are not sure whether your baby's feet are okay.
- Your baby is 5 months old but makes no attempt at sitting up. You have also noticed that your child is slightly floppy. Your baby dislikes being placed on his/her tummy and does not appear to push up with the arms as your other children did at this age.
- Your child engages in a lot of repetitive movements with little ot the variety you expect.
To return to the top click here.
Over 12 months old
- Your child has had his/her 1st birthday. He /she has never crawled but shuffles on his/her bottom. Your child is not motivated to stand or walk. You worry - "Is my child a late walker?"
- Your child appears "delayed" in more than two areas.
- Your child is uncoordinated and much more clumsy than other children you know
- Your child has been walking for two years already but is very pigeon toed and tends to fall over his feet. Because of this, it appears, he can't run as fast as the others.
- Your child is four years old and cannot yet ride a tricycle. He / she dislikes long walks, often falls when running around and his/her general movements appear uncoordinated. Is my child clumsy?
- You suffer from back ache and have noticed your five year old slumped in front of the TV and think to yourself: I hope he won't get a bad back like mine!
To return to the top click here.
Please remember that the above are only examples and if your baby or child does present with any one item mentioned it does not necessarily mean that your child is going to have a problem.
It is always better to seek early advice from a physiotherapist.
Frequently a little help from a physiotherapist - a "physio check" (developmental assessment) for your baby or child may simply help to put your mind at rest. Don't worry - help and advice are available!
To return to the top click here.
OK - I think there might be a problem...
So... what to do now?
If there seems to be a problem(s), what can be done?
A paediatric physiotherapist can help with all the examples problems mentioned above, aiming all the time not just to help the child to move but to move to the best of their ability. Even minor ailments can become habitual and eventually difficult to change. It is never too early to seek help, advice and, if necessary, physiotherapy treatment. I repeat that a "physio check" (developmental assessment) for your baby or child may simply help to put your mind at rest. Don't worry - help and advice are available!
You may wish to refer your child yourself, or the suggestion may come from your GP or the hospital specialist. Paediatric physiotherapy can help your child! Generally the earlier therapy starts the better!
Swing by Kiki's Children's Clinic
To return to the top click here.
